INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Upcoming Events and Opportunities:Upcoming Online Workshops, It's not too late to get involved in National Chemistry Week 2017, Dust off those NanoDays Kits - What are you doing for National Nanotechnology Day?

Science in the News:Water found deep inside the moon, NASA's HERA XIII crew returns home, Should genetic engineering be used as a tool for conservation, F.D.A. panel recommends approval for gene-editing Leukemia treatment, Illustrated periodic table shows how elements are part of everyday life

STEM Throughout the Year:NISE Net's ideas for incorporating current science, engineering, and technology into holidays, seasons, annual events, and special events

Get your (safety) shades ready for August 21, 2017!

The countdown is on; have you finalized your solar eclipse plans yet? Check out NISE Net's go-to-list of eclipse resources for those last minute planning, resource gathering, and community outreach needs. Here are a few resources that might peak your interest:

Explore Science: Earth & Space Toolkit 2017 reports

Thanks to all NISE Network partners who submitted their reports about their 2017 spring Earth and space events. The Network uses the information provided when preparing reports for NASA, our project funder, and to improve future kits, materials, and professional development opportunities. We've randomly selected two partners who submitted their toolkit reports into us on time and have awarded them with a small package of additional educational materials for use with their visitors as a thank you. Special thanks to: Allison Schwanebeck from Science Center of Iowa in Des Moines and Joseph Vick from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

Online Workshops: Staying connected to the Network and community

The NISE Network runs a series of free online workshops to increase the number of professional development opportunities available to our partners, and to create more channels for partners to share their work and learn from each other directly. View full details for upcoming online workshops at http://www.nisenet.org/events.

In this online workshop, NISE Net partners will present a general introduction to the Space and Earth Informal Science Education (SEISE) project, and an overview of what’s in the new 2018 Explore Science: Earth & Space toolkit, including information about how to apply for a toolkit and eligibility requirements. Toolkits are open for both new and existing NISE Network partners located in the United States; the application will open in fall 2017.

All NISE Network Online Workshops are recorded and archived online here.

Dust off those NanoDays Kits - What are you doing for National Nanotechnology Day?

Led by the National Nanotechnology Initiative, National Nanotechnology Day is celebrating its second annual event October 9th, which features a series of community-led events and activities to help raise awareness of nanotechnology, its products and uses, and the challenges and opportunities it holds for the future. Read more about how to get involved

NISE Net partners host stellar line-up of solar eclipse events

NISE Network partners have been preparing for the upcoming August 21st solar eclipse for months. Some, along or near the path of totality, have even been making plans for a year or more! Partners who received a 2017 Explore Science: Earth & Space toolkit have had an opportunity to engage visitors through hands-on activities in learning about Earth and space science with connections to science, technology, and society, and the toolkit is also a great additional resource for solar eclipse events. Check out a snapshot of NISE Network partner events taking place all across the country this month!

No matter what time of year, volunteer experts are a key ingredient to making many public programming and engagement efforts a success. Take advantage of volunteer networks focused on astronomy and space education for your next event. Find astronomy volunteers for your next event

Scientists used to think the moon was completely devoid of water but recent studies have proven that might not be true. Lunar samples were collected in the 1970's as part of the Apollo 15 and 17 missions and have since continued to be re-examined alongside new lunar studies. Read more about the water research on the moon

NASA's HERA XIII crew returns home

After 45 days in NASA's Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA), the four-man crew emerged from a simulated mission, one of several ground-based analogs used by NASA's Human Research Program, to research ways to help astronauts prepare for deep space explorations. Read more about HERA and similar NASA missions

From coral bleaching to invasive species, environmentalists and conservationists continue to fight these challenges often with massive expenses. Synthetic biology has the ability, through applied engineering principles to species and biological systems, to eliminate invasive species without killing unintentional animals or strengthening corals to become more tolerant of heat and acidity, at a fraction of the cost of current methods. Read more about how synthetic biology can help conservation efforts

Should the F.D.A. accept the recommendation of the panel, the approval will provide the first type of gene therapy treatment for a type of leukemia, to reach the U.S. market. To use this technique, an individual treatment must be created for each patient, which requires removing millions of a patient's T-cells and genetically engineering them to kill cancer cells. Read more about this new gene therapy

Illustrated periodic table shows how elements are part of everyday life

A Boeing software engineer has created an online, interactive Periodic Table of Elements, in Pictures and Words to help break down the barrier between chemistry and everyday life. He's even created individual element cards, all of which - including the periodic table - are available for print under the Creative Commons license. Check out these free chemistry resources

The NISE Network will have a variety of activities and professional development opportunities at the upcoming conference including sessions, an exhibit hall booth, partner breakfast and happy hour. Learn more ASTC 2017

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) 2018 Annual Meeting

February 14 - 18, 2018; Austin, TX

The 2018 theme "Advancing Science: Discovery to Application" highlights the critical roles of academia, government and industry in moving ideas into innovations. Registration opens early September

Association of Children's (ACM) Interactivity 2018

Do you have something you would like to submit for inclusion in the NISE Network monthly e-newsletter? Please send your announcements, articles, or community opportunities to Kayla Berry at kberry@mos.org.

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